Measuring cross-cultural adaptability and professional core values development of entry-level student physical therapists: A proof-of-concept study
Leslie Glickman, Executive Director of External Affairs, University of Maryland School of Medicine [lglickman@som.umaryland.edu]
Keywords: Cross-cultural adaptability, professional development, cultural competence, global immersion, mixed methods
Summary
This study’s design provided an opportunity to effectively examine the difference in six Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Students’ cross-cultural adaptability development from an immersion experience in a non-native culture compared to an experience with an educational module. This finding supports previously reported findings on the value of experiential learning. As an evidence-based profession and with an increased interest and exploration of global opportunities to supplement an education module for DPT students, it appears important to have outcome data to measure the value of these types of initiatives and potential direction for its components, structure, and expectations.
The globalization phenomenon in healthcare necessitates that entry-level DPT students develop cultural competence and a greater sensitivity to a diverse clinical environment. Structured learning with in-class as well as out-of-class assignments aids students in becoming more competent professionals and enhances their cultural competence development.
For this study, two groups of entry-level DPT were compared at three points in time using quantitative and qualitative tools. The quantitative tools consisted of two self-assessment measures, the Cross-Cultural Adaptability Inventory™ and the APTA Assessment of Core Values. The qualitative tools included student reflection journal entries and student interviews.
Quantitative data showed a significant difference between the two groups in total scores at two points in time (before and immediately after) for cross-cultural adaptability but not in professional core values development. Qualitative data based on reflection journal themes provided additional insights related to the quantitative data. As a type of experiential learning, global immersion appears to offer greater benefits in developing cultural competency skills than only modules and suggests a key to helping eliminate health disparities.
References
American Physical Therapy Association. (2004). A normative model of physical therapist professional education. Alexandria, VA: Author.
Black, J. D., & Purnell, L. D. (2002). Cultural competence for the physical therapy professional. Journal of Physical Therapy Education, 16(1), 3-10.
Boutin-Foster, C., Foster, J. C., & Konopasek, L. (2008). Viewpoint: Physician, know thyself: The professional framework for teaching cultural competence. Academic Medicine, 83(1), 106-111.
Deardorff, D. K. (2006). Identification and assessment of intercultural competence as a student outcome of internationalization. Journal of Studies in International Education, 10, 241-266.
Dupre, A. M., & Goodgold, S. (2007). Development of physical therapy student cultural competency through international community service. Journal of Cultural Diversity, 14(3), 126-134.
Fox, R. C. (2005). Cultural competence and the culture of medicine. New England Journal of Medicine, 353, 1316-1319.
Geron, S. M. (2002). Cultural competency: How is it measured? Does it make a difference? Generations, 26(3), 39-45.
Goldstein, M. S., Scalzitti, D. A., Craik, R. L., Dunn, S. L., Irion, J. M., Irrgang, J., … Shields, R. K. (2011). The revised research agenda for physical therapy. Physical Therapy, 91(2), 165-174.
Green, S. S., Comer, L., Elliott, L., & Neubauer, J. (2011). Exploring international service-learning experience in Honduras. Nursing Education Perspectives, 32(5), 302-307.
Hayward, L. M., & Charette, A. L. (2012). Integrating cultural competence and core values: An international service-learning model. Journal of Physical Therapy Education, 26(1), 78-89.
Institute of Medicine. (2002). Unequal treatment: What healthcare providers need to know about racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare. Washington, DC: National Academies Press.
Kelley, C., & Meyers, J. (1995). CCAI: Cross-Cultural Adaptability Inventory: Manual. Minneapolis, MN: National Computer Systems.
Kitsantis, A. (2004). Studying abroad: The role of college students’ goals on the development of cross-cultural skills and global understanding. College Student Journal,38(3), 441-453.
Kraemer, T. J., & Beckstead, J. (2003). Establishing the reliability of using the cross cultural adaptability inventory with physical therapist students. Journal of Physical Therapy Education, 17(3), 27-32.
Larson, K. L., Ott, M., & Miles, J. M. (2010) International cultural immersion: En vivo reflections in cultural competence. Journal of Cultural Diversity, 17(2), 44-50.
Lattanzi, J. B., & Pechak, C. M. (2012). Educating globally minded physical therapist students: Curriculum strategies to equip the next generation. Journal of Physical Therapy Education, 26(1), 55-59.
Lattanzi, J. B., & Purnell, L. D. (2006). Developing cultural competence in physical therapy students. Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis.
Lazaro, R. T., & Umphred D. A. (2007). Improving cultural diversity awareness of physical therapy educators. Journal of Cultural Diversity,14(3), 121-125.
Melton, D., & Dail, T. (2010). Preparing students for a diverse workplace. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation &Dance, 81(9), 25-46.
Parsons, R. L. (2009). The effects of an internationalized university experience on domestic students in the United States and Australia. Journal of Studies in International Education, 14, 313-334.
Pechak, C. M. (2012). Survey of international clinical education in physical therapist education. Journal of Physical Therapy Education, 26(1), 69-77.
Pechak, C. M., & Thompson, M. (2009a). A conceptual model of optimal international service learning and its application to global health initiatives in rehabilitation. Physical Therapy, 89, 1192-1204.
Pechak, C., M., & Thompson, M. (2009b). International service-learning and other international volunteer service opportunities in physical therapist education programs in the USA and Canada. Journal of Physical Therapy Education,23(1), 71-79.
Peiying, N., Goddard, T., Gribble, N., & Pickard, C. (2012). International placements increase the cultural sensitivity and competency of professional health students: A quantitative and qualitative study. Journal of Physical Therapy Education, 26(1), 61-68.
Plack, M. A., Driscoll, M., Blissett, S., McKenna, R., & Plack, T. P. (2005). A method for assessing journal writing. Journal of Allied Health, 34(4), 199-208.
Plack, M. A., & Greenberg, L. (2005). The reflective practitioner: Reaching for excellence in practice. Pediatrics, 116(6), 1546-52.
Romanello, M. L. (2007). Integration of cultural competence in physical therapist education. Journal of Physical Therapy Education, 21(1), 33-39.
Saver, C. (2007). Cultural competency benefits patients, therapists. Nursing, 37, 6-9.
Sawyer, K. L., & Lopopolo, R. (2004). Perceived impact on physical therapist students of an international pro bono clinical education experience in a developing country. Journal of Physical Therapy Education, 18(2), 40-47.
Shaftel, J., Shaftel, T., & Ahluwalia, R. (2007). International educational experience and intercultural competence. International Journal of Business and Economic, 6(1), 25-34.
Smith-Miller, C. A., Leak, A., Harlan, C. A., Diekmann, J., & Sherwood, G. (2010). “Leaving the comfort of the familiar”: Fostering workplace cultural awareness through short-term global experiences. Nursing Forum, 45(1), 18-28.
Stone, N. (2006) Conceptualising intercultural effectiveness for university teaching. Journal of Studies in International Education, 10, 334-356.
Williams, T. R. (2005). Exploring the impact of study abroad on students’ intercultural communication skills: Adaptability and sensitivity. Journal of Studies in International Education, 9(4), 356-371.
Wong, C. K., & Blissett, S. (2007). Assessing performance in the area of cultural competence: An analysis of reflective writing. Journal of Physical Therapy, 21(2), 40-47.
Woods, M. J., & Atkins, M. (2006). Immersion in another culture: One strategy for increasing cultural competency. Journal of Cultural Diversity, 13(1), 50-54.
To access materials from this session please click on the file link(s) below:
Leslie Glickman, Executive Director of External Affairs, University of Maryland School of Medicine [lglickman@som.umaryland.edu]
Keywords: Cross-cultural adaptability, professional development, cultural competence, global immersion, mixed methods
Conference track: Higher education student outcomes
Format: Research/Scholarly paper
Summary
This study’s design provided an opportunity to effectively examine the difference in six Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Students’ cross-cultural adaptability development from an immersion experience in a non-native culture compared to an experience with an educational module. This finding supports previously reported findings on the value of experiential learning. As an evidence-based profession and with an increased interest and exploration of global opportunities to supplement an education module for DPT students, it appears important to have outcome data to measure the value of these types of initiatives and potential direction for its components, structure, and expectations.
The globalization phenomenon in healthcare necessitates that entry-level DPT students develop cultural competence and a greater sensitivity to a diverse clinical environment. Structured learning with in-class as well as out-of-class assignments aids students in becoming more competent professionals and enhances their cultural competence development.
For this study, two groups of entry-level DPT were compared at three points in time using quantitative and qualitative tools. The quantitative tools consisted of two self-assessment measures, the Cross-Cultural Adaptability Inventory™ and the APTA Assessment of Core Values. The qualitative tools included student reflection journal entries and student interviews.
Quantitative data showed a significant difference between the two groups in total scores at two points in time (before and immediately after) for cross-cultural adaptability but not in professional core values development. Qualitative data based on reflection journal themes provided additional insights related to the quantitative data. As a type of experiential learning, global immersion appears to offer greater benefits in developing cultural competency skills than only modules and suggests a key to helping eliminate health disparities.
References
American Physical Therapy Association. (2004). A normative model of physical therapist professional education. Alexandria, VA: Author.
Black, J. D., & Purnell, L. D. (2002). Cultural competence for the physical therapy professional. Journal of Physical Therapy Education, 16(1), 3-10.
Boutin-Foster, C., Foster, J. C., & Konopasek, L. (2008). Viewpoint: Physician, know thyself: The professional framework for teaching cultural competence. Academic Medicine, 83(1), 106-111.
Deardorff, D. K. (2006). Identification and assessment of intercultural competence as a student outcome of internationalization. Journal of Studies in International Education, 10, 241-266.
Dupre, A. M., & Goodgold, S. (2007). Development of physical therapy student cultural competency through international community service. Journal of Cultural Diversity, 14(3), 126-134.
Fox, R. C. (2005). Cultural competence and the culture of medicine. New England Journal of Medicine, 353, 1316-1319.
Geron, S. M. (2002). Cultural competency: How is it measured? Does it make a difference? Generations, 26(3), 39-45.
Goldstein, M. S., Scalzitti, D. A., Craik, R. L., Dunn, S. L., Irion, J. M., Irrgang, J., … Shields, R. K. (2011). The revised research agenda for physical therapy. Physical Therapy, 91(2), 165-174.
Green, S. S., Comer, L., Elliott, L., & Neubauer, J. (2011). Exploring international service-learning experience in Honduras. Nursing Education Perspectives, 32(5), 302-307.
Hayward, L. M., & Charette, A. L. (2012). Integrating cultural competence and core values: An international service-learning model. Journal of Physical Therapy Education, 26(1), 78-89.
Institute of Medicine. (2002). Unequal treatment: What healthcare providers need to know about racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare. Washington, DC: National Academies Press.
Kelley, C., & Meyers, J. (1995). CCAI: Cross-Cultural Adaptability Inventory: Manual. Minneapolis, MN: National Computer Systems.
Kitsantis, A. (2004). Studying abroad: The role of college students’ goals on the development of cross-cultural skills and global understanding. College Student Journal, 38(3), 441-453.
Kraemer, T. J., & Beckstead, J. (2003). Establishing the reliability of using the cross cultural adaptability inventory with physical therapist students. Journal of Physical Therapy Education, 17(3), 27-32.
Larson, K. L., Ott, M., & Miles, J. M. (2010) International cultural immersion: En vivo reflections in cultural competence. Journal of Cultural Diversity, 17(2), 44-50.
Lattanzi, J. B., & Pechak, C. M. (2012). Educating globally minded physical therapist students: Curriculum strategies to equip the next generation. Journal of Physical Therapy Education, 26(1), 55-59.
Lattanzi, J. B., & Purnell, L. D. (2006). Developing cultural competence in physical therapy students. Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis.
Lazaro, R. T., & Umphred D. A. (2007). Improving cultural diversity awareness of physical therapy educators. Journal of Cultural Diversity, 14(3), 121-125.
Melton, D., & Dail, T. (2010). Preparing students for a diverse workplace. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 81(9), 25-46.
Parsons, R. L. (2009). The effects of an internationalized university experience on domestic students in the United States and Australia. Journal of Studies in International Education, 14, 313-334.
Pechak, C. M. (2012). Survey of international clinical education in physical therapist education. Journal of Physical Therapy Education, 26(1), 69-77.
Pechak, C. M., & Thompson, M. (2009a). A conceptual model of optimal international service learning and its application to global health initiatives in rehabilitation. Physical Therapy, 89, 1192-1204.
Pechak, C., M., & Thompson, M. (2009b). International service-learning and other international volunteer service opportunities in physical therapist education programs in the USA and Canada. Journal of Physical Therapy Education, 23(1), 71-79.
Peiying, N., Goddard, T., Gribble, N., & Pickard, C. (2012). International placements increase the cultural sensitivity and competency of professional health students: A quantitative and qualitative study. Journal of Physical Therapy Education, 26(1), 61-68.
Plack, M. A., Driscoll, M., Blissett, S., McKenna, R., & Plack, T. P. (2005). A method for assessing journal writing. Journal of Allied Health, 34(4), 199-208.
Plack, M. A., & Greenberg, L. (2005). The reflective practitioner: Reaching for excellence in practice. Pediatrics, 116(6), 1546-52.
Romanello, M. L. (2007). Integration of cultural competence in physical therapist education. Journal of Physical Therapy Education, 21(1), 33-39.
Saver, C. (2007). Cultural competency benefits patients, therapists. Nursing, 37, 6-9.
Sawyer, K. L., & Lopopolo, R. (2004). Perceived impact on physical therapist students of an international pro bono clinical education experience in a developing country. Journal of Physical Therapy Education, 18(2), 40-47.
Shaftel, J., Shaftel, T., & Ahluwalia, R. (2007). International educational experience and intercultural competence. International Journal of Business and Economic, 6(1), 25-34.
Smith-Miller, C. A., Leak, A., Harlan, C. A., Diekmann, J., & Sherwood, G. (2010). “Leaving the comfort of the familiar”: Fostering workplace cultural awareness through short-term global experiences. Nursing Forum, 45(1), 18-28.
Stone, N. (2006) Conceptualising intercultural effectiveness for university teaching. Journal of Studies in International Education, 10, 334-356.
Williams, T. R. (2005). Exploring the impact of study abroad on students’ intercultural communication skills: Adaptability and sensitivity. Journal of Studies in International Education, 9(4), 356-371.
Wong, C. K., & Blissett, S. (2007). Assessing performance in the area of cultural competence: An analysis of reflective writing. Journal of Physical Therapy, 21(2), 40-47.
Woods, M. J., & Atkins, M. (2006). Immersion in another culture: One strategy for increasing cultural competency. Journal of Cultural Diversity, 13(1), 50-54.
To access materials from this session please click on the file link(s) below: